Background on Poxvirus and its Recent Spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained an alert for the poxvirus outbreak, primarily affecting Africa, and called for “continued international support,” according to a statement released on Monday.
Who is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus?
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, declared the poxvirus outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on August 14, 2022, due to the rapid spread of the disease, previously known as monkeypox, across Africa.
What is Poxvirus and its Symptoms?
Poxvirus, also known as monkeypox, is characterized by skin lesions such as pustules, high fever, and muscle aches. It was first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970 and remained largely confined to a handful of African countries for decades.
Global Spread of Poxvirus
However, in 2022, the virus began to spread beyond Africa, affecting developed countries where it had not previously circulated. As of early 2024, 25 countries have reported over 37,000 confirmed cases to the WHO, including 125 fatalities.
WHO’s Response and Alert Levels
The WHO has kept the poxvirus outbreak designated as a PHEIC, the highest alert level according to the International Health Regulations (IHR). In 2024, a new alert level was introduced: “pandemic due to an outbreak.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of the poxvirus outbreak? The WHO maintains an alert for the ongoing poxvirus outbreak, primarily affecting Africa, with over 37,000 confirmed cases reported across 25 countries as of early 2024.
- Who is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and what is his role? Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). He declared the poxvirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in August 2022 due to its rapid spread across Africa.
- What are the symptoms of poxvirus (monkeypox)? Poxvirus, or monkeypox, is characterized by skin lesions (pustules), high fever, and muscle aches. It was first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1970.
- How has the poxvirus spread globally? Although it remained largely confined to African countries for decades, the poxvirus began spreading beyond Africa in 2022, affecting developed countries where it had not previously circulated.
- What alert levels does the WHO use for outbreaks? The WHO previously used the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as the highest alert level according to the International Health Regulations (IHR). In 2024, a new alert level, “pandemic due to an outbreak,” was introduced.
